Cold and Flu Treatments to Consider
The common cold and flu are infections that circulate frequently, especially in the fall and winter months. Unfortunately, there's no cure, but there are many ways to help manage and alleviate symptoms. It's often easy and cost-effective to use natural treatments.
In this article we review cold and flu treatments you can easily use, as well as symptoms of each illness to watch for.
Natural Treatments for the Cold and Flu
Treating these illnesses as often as they show up can get expensive. Besides the cost, nobody wants to be in the clinic more than they need to be.
The best natural treatments for your cold and flu symptoms are likely already in your home. Next time you feel ill, try the following:
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is essential when you're sick. It helps keep your nose, throat and mouth moist, making it easy to get rid of mucus. Water also helps keep you hydrated and gives your body the strength it needs to heal itself. Other fluids you can take to keep yourself hydrated include:
- Soup.
- Tea.
- Broth.
- Coconut water.
Getting Adequate Rest
This is perhaps the easiest thing to do when you're sick. Letting your body get proper rest gives your immune system the boost it needs to defend against the virus. Taking the time to sleep a little more than you already do might just be exactly what your body needs to recover.
Gargling Warm Salt Water
Chances are you'll experience a sore throat and a congested nose. Gargling warm salt water is a sure way to make your throat feel better and clear your nose. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat a glass of water till it's warm or at least at room temperature.
- Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in your glass of water.
- Pour a third of that salt water into your mouth and let it rest for about 10 seconds at the back of your throat.
- Gargle it in your mouth for 30 more seconds.
- Spit the fluid out.
- Repeat the process with the remaining salt water.
Regulating Your Body Temperature
With both the common cold and flu, your body temperature increases and decreases unusually as it tries to heal itself. Regulating your body temperature can aid your body in this battle against both viruses. You can do this by:
- Using a humidifier.
- Taking warm baths when you have a fever.
- Wearing several layers of loose-fitting clothes when you feel cold.
- Inhaling steam.
Cold and Flu Symptoms
Both the common cold and flu are respiratory infections. They become highly contagious as early as 24 hours after being contracted and can get very serious when not treated.
These illnesses share a lot of similar symptoms, but the severity of their symptoms can differ. The flu shows more symptoms than a cold. Flu symptoms can also get more serious the longer it remains untreated, especially in seniors.
Symptoms of a Cold
Catching a cold can be very frequent experience. However, they can typically be treated at home easily. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for:
- Sneezing.
- Runny nose.
- Sore throat.
- Cough.
- Headache.
- Nasal congestion.
- Mild body aches.
- Runny eyes.
- Fatigue.
Symptoms of Flu
Mild causes of the flu can often be treated at home. However, if symptoms get worse, seek medical attention. Some common symptoms of the flu include:
- Fever.
- Body aches.
- Sore throat.
- Headache.
- Chills.
- Runny nose.
- Cough.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nasal congestion.
- Fatigue.
- Diarrhea.
Final Notes
If natural, at-home remedies don't help your symptoms, you can go to a pharmacy and try over the counter medications instead. Tylenol and Advil can help reduce pain and fever, and decongestants and nasal sprays can help relive nasal and sinus congestion. Combination medications such as NyQuil, DayQuil and Theraflu target multiple symptoms and offer convenient, multi-symptom relief.
If your symptoms persist or get worse, book an appointment with your doctor. It's worth checking to see if you do have a cold or the flu, or a more serious virus.